Having a few drinks now and then won’t typically affect your health. However, misusing alcohol and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can affect the kidneys and lead to kidney disease. If you are struggling with AUD, treatment at Discovery Institute can help you.
How Drinking Alcohol Affects Your Kidneys
Understanding what really is behind alcohol-induced kidney disease is essential. Additionally, it can raise blood pressure, which is another risk factor for kidney disease. When we talk about the effects of alcohol on our health, our kidneys often take a backseat in the conversation.
Dr. Kevin Wandler, MD
It has been found that alcohol has an effect on both heart rate and blood pressure. Low doses of alcohol have little to no effect on heart rate or blood pressure. In contrast, excessive amounts of alcohol may affect blood pressure levels. In the United States, it has been found that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ most patients who have both liver disease and linked kidney complications are dependent on alcohol.
Kidney pain after consuming alcohol
They work to keep the right balance of chemicals and electrolytes in the blood and help maintain normal blood pressure. Alcohol can impact these functions, as drinking affects your kidneys in many ways. For example, alcohol causes dehydration, which decreases blood flow to the kidneys and makes it more difficult for them to do their job. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, knowing how it can affect kidney function and health is important. The best approach to protecting kidney health from alcohol-related harm is prevention.
Research indicates that abstaining from alcohol for at least four weeks can help restore kidney function in many cases. However, long-term or severe damage may result in irreversible harm, particularly in cases of chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury that becomes chronic. Living with do kidneys process alcohol kidney disease, you will need to be mindful of medications, fluid intake, and any other health conditions that you may have.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Alcohols Effect on Kidneys
Despite claims of potential advantages from moderate consumption, beer can have negative health implications. In fact, its caloric content can contribute to weight gain, a risk factor for kidney disease (21, 22). Just because your kidneys have recovered from immediate effects of alcohol damage doesn’t mean that the impact on your kidneys is over.
Get Same-Day Admission for Alcohol Addiction Treatment Today
For this reason, the kidneys can’t filter the blood properly. Unfortunately, many Americans suffering from both liver and kidney disease also suffer from alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol increases your risk of developing diabetes and can make it more difficult to manage diabetes if you do have it. One of the main negative effects that diabetes can create is impaired kidney function.
- In addition to alcohol, many illegal and prescription drugs can also cause kidney issues.
- If the pain persists or worsens, seek medical attention to rule out any potential kidney complications or other underlying conditions.
- Alcohol reduces the volume of water in the body, which in turn decreases blood flow to the kidneys.
- This can result in diabetes, which increases your risk for kidney disease.
- When alcohol dehydrates (dries out) the body, the drying effect can affect the normal function of cells and organs, including the kidneys.
For instance, a high intake of sugary beverages or high-sodium foods Sober living home may strain the kidneys (1, 2), potentially leading to kidney damage over time. Drinking alcoholic drinks may also negatively impact our kidneys. Yes, excessive alcohol consumption can eventually lead to acute kidney failure (also called acute kidney injury).
Can alcohol cause high protein in the blood?
However, the study authors also mentioned that more studies are needed to explore the connection between AUD and kidney function. If you or a loved one are concerned about your alcohol consumption, you may be suffering from alcohol use disorder. At Caron, we offer individualized, comprehensive treatment programs that are designed to help those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. High blood pressure can put a strain on the kidneys, which forces them to work harder to filter blood. If you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier, alcohol-free life, reach out to us today. Our addiction recovery center is here to guide you on your journey to recovery, helping you break free from alcohol addiction and regain control of your life.
The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper provides a full continuum of care, from medical detox and inpatient rehab to aftercare. We are here to help you and those you love recover from addiction and begin a healthier, alcohol-free future. Contact us to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment programs that can work well for your needs in recovery. If you have specific concerns about alcohol and your kidney health, it’s best to get personal medical care.